Cueva de Mendukilo

Cuveas de Astiz ko kobak

Useful Information

Mendukilo, near Lekunberri, Concejo de Astiz area.
A-15 exit Lekunberri, turn left on NA-7510 to the Sanctuary of Aralar, after 600m turn left, then after 200m again left.
Through Alli towards Astiz, 1.5km after Alli turn right, 1.3km to the cave.
(42°58'27.89"N, 1°53'40.13"W)

As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

2005

opened to the public.

Description

Cueva de Mendukilo was used as a refuge by shepherds for hundreds of
years.
Lately it was developed as a show cave, with developed paths, dynamic lighting,
and a multimedia system.
The cave starts with a gated cave portal, the huge hall is called
Artzainzulo (The Shepherd's Shelter).
Through the Jentileio (The Gentiles Window) and down a staircase with 90
steps we reach the Hartz-zuloa (Bair's Lair), the central crossing of all
cave passages.
From here we reach the Laminosin (Lake Room) with its wealth of
speleothems and Herensugearen Gotorlekua (Dragon's Den), the largest hall
60m long and up to 20m high.

A small museum with a sort of replica cave at the entrance, explains the geology
of the cave.
There is also an audiovisual room where a 15-minute documentary is shown.